Originating from the Latin word “signum” meaning “sign”, signet rings originated amongst religious leaders and Pharaohs. These rings were used to mark and seal documents by pressing the face which were historically marked with a unique family crest, into hot wax.
Signet rings were not just like signatures, but were so personal to the individual that they could be considered fingerprints. It used to be that when someone passed away, the ring was destroyed with them so that no one else could use their fingerprint.
Before the days of the internet and other electronic wizardry it was normal for all the most influential people in the world to have these rings and use them to confirm the authenticity of any document. These rings usually look magnificent but they were designed with a very practical purpose in mind.
Every ring was unique, the markings usually included the family crest but there would always be a significant mark which personally identified the ring holder. Some of the rings were simple monograms or icons which were associated with the most important families. All rings were reverse engineered to ensure that the design came out properly when they were stamped on a document. Of course, this level of detail also ensured the rings were expensive and very difficult to copy.
In tradition, you should wear your signet on the pinky finger of your non-dominant hand. Back in the days signet rings were worn by men only, but nowadays the options are really endless.
A signet ring bearing the arms of the Baronnet family, created by the goldsmith Jean-Pierre Gautheron, in Paris
A gold and ruby signet ring of Edward, the Black Prince from the late 14th century, on display in the Louvre
Create your own family crest
If you love the idea of bearing one of these little treasure, you can not only order yours from us but also create your own family crest.
We have partners who are experts on seal signet rings.
Contact us to know more about it.